A Year of Accomplishments

The “i have a Voice” Gala is a night where those connected to the Playhouse have the opportunity to come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our children, our families, our volunteers, our program leaders, our therapists, and our extended GiGi’s family.  The year has been filled with milestones that have been met and surpassed, children learning to read, volunteers selflessly giving of their time and talents, and unbreakable bonds being formed and nurtured.

As we reflect on a year of accomplishment since last year’s Gala, we wanted to share a story of one of the members of our GiGi’s family.  This is the story of 3-year-old Edward Dolan, who has been coming to GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester since we opened in August of 2015.  In fact, Edward’s parents, Laura and Stephen Dolan, literally helped construct the Playhouse before we even opened our doors — building out the space, painting, organizing, etc.  While still being written, Edward’s story so far is a perfect illustration of the power of the Playhouse.

In Laura’s words, “Edward has so much more confidence and is so independent whenever we are at GiGi’s Playhouse. He does more and more each time we are there and he is always full of surprises!  It initially dawned on us at an LMNOP program. While we were sitting in a circle singing songs, out of nowhere, he stood up from my lap and walked straight across the circle to the program leader. It was the most independent steps he had taken! My husband and I just looked at each other in shock! His confidence and independence at GiGi’s is helping to give him more confidence and increase his independence in preschool.”

Edward started the literacy program at the beginning of the school year with his amazing tutor Debbie Young (who also happens to be the Literacy Coordinator). When they first met, Edward knew some letters but wasn’t reading. Starting with the Family Unit Book, before long he was reading three word sentences (at 3 years old!). His speech has gone from saying the beginning sound of words to being able to say all the sounds in a word very clearly. His progress through the 1:1 Literacy Tutoring program has been mind-blowing!  Edward and Debbie have a mutual affection for each other and an incredible bond that is evident when Debbie tears up as she talks about his progress in literacy and by the fact that Edward frequently talks about Debbie at home.

A picture of Edward as a baby is on the wall in Studio G. As soon as Laura or Stephen opens the door to the Playhouse, Edward gets so excited to see his picture. At first Laura or Stephen would carry him upstairs and point to the picture. This ritual has now progressed to him grabbing their hands, dragging them to the stairs, pointing to the Studio G door and saying “Edward” or “me.” He now climbs up the stairs, points to the picture, and says “Baby Edward” and gives himself a kiss. This special tradition highlights the progress he’s made thanks to GiGi’s Playhouse!
        

We look forward to celebrating the many accomplishments of the Playhouse with our families, volunteers, and supporters at our Gala on March 11th at the Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown. The highlight of the evening will be hearing from keynote speaker Paul Daugherty, author of “An Uncomplicated Life,” and his daughter Jillian, but there’s so much to look forward to — our gala team has collected incredible auction items for you to bid on, and has selected delicious appetizers and dinner options for you to enjoy. It won’t be the same without YOU — buy your tickets today!